Can I put towels in the dryer with clothes?

Author: Dr. Annabel Johnston II  |  Last update: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Can You Dry Towels With Clothes? Towels can be placed in the dryer with similar-weight fabrics, but they should be dried alone. Towels are heavy and absorb much more water in the washer than smaller items. Lighter-weight pieces will dry more quickly and can even be damaged by the tumbling action of heavy, wet towels.

Is it okay to put towels in the dryer?

Here's an energy-saving laundry tip for you: Placing a dry towel in the clothes dryer with a load of wet laundry reduces drying time, cutting down on energy usage and utility bills. The idea is that by adding a dry and absorbent material, some of the moisture from the wet fabrics is wicked away by the dry towel.

Do towels need to be dried separately?

For sanitary reasons, you should always wash bath towels separately from clothing items. Putting towels in their own load also makes it easier to adjust the setting based on color. It's also more efficient to dry towels in the same load since damp towels dry slower than most clothes.

Is it okay to dry all clothes together?

Yes. Drying time depends on how much there is. Keep in mind high heat can and will shrink certain things. Knitted, woven, 100% cotton, etc. So if you're in a rush, separate them.

Why separate towels from clothes laundry?

Washing towels with clothes can transfer germs and bacteria between items in the wash. For sanitary reasons, you should always wash bath towels separately from clothing items. Putting towels in their own load also makes it easier to adjust the setting based on color.

Can you wash towels with clothes?

Why put a towel in the dryer with wet clothes?

If you are putting soaked clothes in the dryer, tossing in a towel with your load may help absorb moisture and can possibly help speed up drying times. Be mindful to remove the towel after about five minutes for smaller loads, rather than keeping it in the dryer for the entire cycle.

How do you wash clothes and towels together?

Yes, you can wash towels with clothes. However, it's recommended to separate light and dark-colored items to prevent color bleeding. Also, avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure proper cleaning and drying. Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softeners on towels, as they can reduce absorbency.

Should you separate laundry when drying?

Separating Clothes During the Dry Cycle

This is because heavier things take more time to dry than lighter ones. By drying them together, the lighter things are over-dried, which focuses on the filaments, and heavier things are in many cases left soggy, which can cause smells.

Why do I have to dry my clothes 3 times?

If your dryer is taking multiple cycles to dry clothes, it may be because the lint screen is dirty. When the lint screen gets clogged with dirt and dust, it doesn't allow enough air to circulate around the clothes, which will cause them to take longer to dry.

Does laundry need to be separated?

Yes, you should separate your laundry by color if you wish to extend the life of your clothes. While separating laundry may seem like an unnecessary step, it helps keep your clothes looking new, longer. Clothing, towels, sheets, and other items you throw in your washing machine aren't all the same.

Is it okay to use the same towel for a week?

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels.

Where do you dry towels after use?

Here are some other tips for drying your bath towels.
  • Spread Them Out to Dry. After you take your shower, shake off any excess water from your towels and spread them out wherever you place them. ...
  • Flip Them Over. ...
  • Use the Bathroom Fan. ...
  • In a Laundry Basket. ...
  • On a Towel Bar. ...
  • On a Heated Towel Rack.

What dryer setting should towels be on?

Generally, they should be dried on low to medium heat. Use a dryer setting specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle. High heat and overdrying can cause fabric damage, so be sure to remove the towels promptly once they're dry.

Can you dry towels and clothes in the same dryer?

Can You Dry Towels With Clothes? Towels can be placed in the dryer with similar-weight fabrics, but they should be dried alone. Towels are heavy and absorb much more water in the washer than smaller items. Lighter-weight pieces will dry more quickly and can even be damaged by the tumbling action of heavy, wet towels.

How do hotels keep towels soft?

Incorporating natural additives such as vinegar or baking soda during the wash cycle can further enhance softness. Advanced drying methods, utilizing commercial-grade dryers with precise drying cycles, play a crucial role in preserving the towels' plush texture.

Why can't you tumble dry towels?

Although tumble dryers can be great at giving you fluffier towels, they can also wear the fabrics down in the long run, even if you use gentler settings. That's why we suggest to line dry your towels occasionally (possibly outside, if it's a windy day), alternating between the two methods.

Is it OK to dry all clothes together?

Different fabrics may have varying heat tolerances. Mixing fabrics can lead to overheating and potential damage to more delicate materials. This can result in weakening fibers, pilling, or even holes in your clothes.

How often should dryer vents be cleaned?

There are variables that affects how often you should clean your dryer vent system. Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years.

Why are my clothes so wetter than normal after washing?

UNBALANCED OR OVERLOADED WASHER

An unbalanced or overloaded washer drum can slow down the spin cycle, leaving you with clothes that are soaking wet when the cycle is done. Make sure to balance the wash load and disperse clothes evenly and loosely around the tub.

Should I separate towels from clothes?

Sanitizing your towels will require warmer water than what you might normally use—something that could be detrimental to your clothes. Washing your towels and clothes together risks damage to your clothes and potential bacteria transfer—so it's best to keep them separate!

What should you do before washing your laundry?

Here's your step-by-step guide to prepping your clothes for the wash and getting the most out of every load.
  1. Check the Labels. ...
  2. Sort by Colour and Fabric. ...
  3. Treat Stains Before They Set. ...
  4. Zip It Up, Button It Down. ...
  5. Turn Clothes Inside Out. ...
  6. Don't Overload the Machine. ...
  7. Choose the Right Wash Cycle.

How many dryer sheets per load?

For a medium sized load, use two. For a large or extra-large load use 3. If you find yourself often doing large loads, you may want to consider using one of Bounce's new Mega Sheets. Mega sheets are specially designed to provide 3X static and wrinkle fighting ingredients* with just one sheet.

Should I wash towels on hot or cold?

“We recommend washing your towels in cold water—we promise it kills just as much bacteria as the hot water,” she says. If you do choose to wash your towels in hot water, Richardson says that cotton is probably the only type of fabric that can withstand the high levels of heat.

How many tide pods per load?

The number of pacs necessary depends on the load size. To guarantee superior performance, add two Tide PODS® pacs into the washing machine drum before you add clothes. Use one laundry pac for smaller loads or three for larger loads.

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